Pine Sol Class Action Lawsuit, $5.65 Million Settlement for Bacterial Contamination Are You Eligible?

The Pine Sol Class Action Lawsuit has reached a $5,650,000 settlement for consumers who purchased contaminated cleaning products between 2018 and 2023. The Clorox Co. allegedly misleads and deceives consumers by not disclosing that accidentally ingesting its Pine-Sol cleaning products can increase the risk of contracting invasive infections due to the presence of bacteria.

If you used Pine Sol scented products during the pandemic when home cleaning spiked, you may be entitled to compensation. This landmark settlement addresses one of the largest product recalls in recent history, affecting millions of American households.

Understanding the Pine Sol Class Action Lawsuit

The Pine Sol Class Action Lawsuit centers on Clorox sold scented Pine-Sol products contaminated with pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Plaintiffs claim this bacteria could cause severe infections in some people and that Clorox should have prevented contamination.

This lawsuit emerged after Clorox issued a voluntary recall of 37 million bottles of Pine-Sol from January 2021 to September 2022. The recall specifically targeted scented varieties, not the original pine-scented formula.

What Products Were Affected?

The lawsuit covers specific Pine Sol products purchased between November 1, 2018, and November 15, 2023:

• Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaners in Lavender Clean scent
• Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaners in Sparkling Wave scent
• Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaners in Lemon Fresh scent
• All CloroxPro Pine-Sol All Purpose Cleaners in these scents

The recall affected 37 million bottles sold at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Kroger’s, Sam’s Club, and Dollar Tree. The original pine-scented Pine-Sol cleaner was not included in the recall or lawsuit.

The Health Risks Behind the Lawsuit

People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa face a risk of serious infection. This bacteria is particularly dangerous because infections can be resistant to antibiotics.

The contamination posed serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations including:

• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• People with external medical devices
• Those recovering from illness or surgery
• Elderly consumers and young children

Settlement Details and Compensation

The $5,650,000 Class Action Lawsuit has been settled, providing different compensation levels based on whether consumers can provide proof of purchase.

Compensation Without Proof of Purchase

Customers who submit a claim with no proof of purchase are eligible to receive $3.57 per product purchased, up to a maximum of two. That means a potential payout of $7.14.

Compensation With Proof of Purchase

With proof of purchase, customers qualify for full refunds. This means you could receive the complete amount you paid for the contaminated products.

Important Deadline Information

Critical Update: The deadline to file a claim was February 7, 2024. Settlement checks are in the mail for those who filed timely claims as of December 2024. Unfortunately, the claim period has closed, and you cannot file new claims for this settlement.

If you missed the deadline, you cannot file new claims for this settlement. However, understanding this case helps protect your rights in future product liability situations.

How the Settlement Process Worked

The settlement process required consumers to:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm they purchased qualifying products during the specified timeframe
2. Submit Claims: File online at www.pssettlement.com or mail paper forms
3. Provide Documentation: Optional proof of purchase for full refunds
4. Meet Deadline: Complete all requirements by February 7, 2024

Legal Implications and Consumer Protection

The Pine-Sol class action lawsuit accuses Clorox Company of deceptively marketing and mislabeling its recalled products as safe for its intended use, indicating that Scandore and other consumers paid a premium for the recalled cleaning products based on false, deceptive, and misleading claims.

The lawsuit alleges breach of express warranty and violations of New York General Business Law, claiming Clorox put consumers’ “health and lives” at risk.

This case establishes important precedents for:

• Corporate responsibility in product safety
• Disclosure requirements for potential health risks
• Consumer rights when purchasing contaminated products
• The importance of proper quality control in manufacturing
• Accountability for premium pricing based on false safety claims

What This Means for Future Cases

The Pine Sol settlement demonstrates that consumers can successfully challenge major corporations when products pose undisclosed health risks. This case reinforces several key consumer protection principles:

Manufacturer Accountability: Companies must ensure their products are safe and properly labeled.

Disclosure Requirements: Businesses have a duty to warn consumers about potential health risks.

Consumer Rights: People deserve compensation when they purchase contaminated or mislabeled products.

Protecting Yourself from Similar Issues

While this specific settlement has closed, you can protect yourself from similar situations by:

• Staying informed about product recalls through FDA and EPA notifications
• Keeping receipts for cleaning products and other household items
• Reporting unusual health symptoms that might be product-related
• Understanding your rights under consumer protection laws

Current Status of Pine Sol Products

The Pine-Sol products on shelves today are safe to use as directed. Clorox has addressed the contamination issues and implemented additional quality control measures.

The company continues to sell Pine Sol products, but with enhanced safety protocols to prevent future contamination incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still file a claim for the Pine Sol settlement?

No, the claim deadline passed on February 7, 2024. Settlement checks have already been mailed to eligible claimants who filed timely claims.

What if I got sick from using contaminated Pine Sol?

If you experienced health issues that you believe were caused by contaminated Pine Sol products, consult with a personal injury attorney about potential individual claims separate from the class action settlement.

How do I know if my Pine Sol was contaminated?

The contamination affected specific scented varieties (Lavender Clean, Sparkling Wave, and Lemon Fresh) manufactured between January 2021 and September 2022. The original pine-scented version was not affected.

Will there be future settlements for Pine Sol?

This settlement resolved the bacterial contamination claims. Any future legal action would depend on new product issues or safety concerns.

What should I do with old Pine Sol products?

If you still have recalled Pine Sol products, dispose of them safely according to local hazardous waste guidelines. Do not use products from the recalled batches.

How can I stay informed about product recalls?

Monitor the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website, sign up for FDA recall alerts, and check manufacturer websites regularly for safety updates.

Key Takeaways

The Pine Sol Class Action Lawsuit represents a significant victory for consumer rights, resulting in $5,650,000 in compensation for affected consumers. While the claim period has ended, this case highlights the importance of corporate accountability and consumer protection.

The settlement addressed serious health concerns related to bacterial contamination in household cleaning products used by millions of Americans. Although you can no longer file claims for this specific settlement, understanding these legal proceedings helps protect your rights as a consumer.

Stay vigilant about product safety, keep purchase receipts, and don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you believe a product has caused you harm. Consumer protection laws exist to hold companies accountable when they fail to prioritize safety.